Clete Thomas insists he never felt frustration over the past two months as he piled up career-best offensive numbers for Triple-A Rochester while failing to earn another big-league shot.

"Not really," the 29-year-old outfielder said Tuesday. "I was just out there trying to playing my game and trying to make them notice me and look at me: 'Here I am. I'm right here waiting.' I guess it worked and I'm here now."

After being recalled Monday to give the Twins a backup center fielder and another threat off their bench, Thomas termed this promotion a "pleasant surprise."

For one thing, his production had dropped off lately in the wake of a strained right quadriceps that kept him on the shelf for close to two weeks. For another, he knew the Twins would have to remove someone from their 40-man roster after recently losing outfielder Joe Benson on waivers.

That turned out to be lefty reliever Tyler Robertson, who was designated for release or assignment.

Thomas, who was with the Detroit Tigers when he made his big-league debut on Opening Day 2008 against the Royals, hit .296 with nine home runs, 25 runs batted in and eight doubles in 36 games for Rochester this year.

Claimed off waivers from the Tigers on April 14, 2012, Thomas said the circumstances surrounding this call-up made it even sweeter.

"This time is almost as exciting as the first time," he said. "I worked hard for this. The other times, not that I didn't work hard, but it was expected, I guess. It's pretty awesome."